These journeys fit well as a 14-21 day honeymoon itinerary. We have included a mixture of activity, relaxation, good food and wine and a slower pace with time to explore and savour. From Nelson you travel down the Kaikoura Coast, south to the seaside village of Akaroa and then inland to Lakes Wanaka, Wakatipu and Queenstown.

Green Journeys allows you to build you own itinerary or adopt one of our suggested itineraries, book it or modify it to suit your special interests and dates. Green Journeys itineraries encourage staying at least 2-3 nights in each location so that you have a chance of enjoying the region, sampling the activities and attractions available and relaxing in your accommodation. Accommodations in our Green Collection are individually owned and hosted, intimate, luxurious and situated in beautiful surroundings. Our suggested activities are equally carefully selected.

Day 1 - Abel Tasman, Nelson RegionStay: The Resurgence luxury eco-lodge
Join this journey by flying in to Nelson airport and collecting your hire car or you may arrive from Wellington-Picton via the Cook Strait Ferry. Picton to the Resurgence is a 2 1/2 hour drive. The Resurgence is set high in the bushclad Riwaka Valley. Explore native bush trails or visit the idyllic river and spring from which the lodge takes its name. Book dinner for the night you arrive.

Day 2 - Abel Tasman, Nelson RegionDo: Abel Tasman Charters Luxury Boat Cruise
Stay: The Resurgence luxury eco-lodge
A relaxed and unhurried day aboard the Taranui exploring the Abel Tasman National Park coastline. Swim, sea kayak, take a bush walk, or just relax on the Taranui in beautiful bay and enjoy a delicious platter style lunch with local ingredients.

Day 3 - Abel Tasman, Nelson RegionDo: at leisure, explore the area with advice from your hosts
Stay: The Resurgence luxury eco-lodge
Spend a day exploring the valleys and beaches of Golden Bay, hike in Abel Tasman Park or join a wine and art tour and discover Nelson with local guides who will introduce you to the artists, winemakers and food producers who have settled in this diverse region.

Day 4 - Kaikoura, CanterburyDo: Drive via Marlborough to the East Coast and Kaikoura
Stay: The Factory
Allow 4-5 hours for the drive to your next accommodation in Kaikoura. Stop in Blenheim for lunch and allow lots of time for seal and surf spotting on your drive south. The Hapuku Dairy Factory is 100 years old but the accommodation is luxurious, modern and a perfect retreat. Advance arrangements for dinner or self-catered supplies recommended.

Day 5 - Kaikoura, CanterburyDo: at leisure, explore the area with advice from your hosts
Stay: The Factory
Kaikoura is famous for its marine life, whales, seals, dolphins and seabirds. Book a flight out over the ocean to view the whales with Wings Over Whales. Or take one of the excellent coastal and inland hikes, including Ohau Waterfall Walk where seal pups swim and play in a waterfall during the breeding season.

Day 6 - Akaroa, CanterburyDo: Travel South to Banks Peninsula and Akaroa
Stay: Maison de la Mer
Allow 3 3/4 hours for the drive. Akaroa is a hidden gem, with a picture perfect harbour surrounded by volcanic mountains and charming port village full of historic character and french settler influence. Maison de la Mer offers peaceful elegance and luxurious detail and all suites have views of Akaroa harbour.

Day 7 - Akaroa, CanterburyDo: Day Cruise with Akaroa Dolphins Nature Cruises
Stay: Maison de la Mer
Small group wildlife cruises - see spectacular sea caves, volcanic formations, high cliffs and bird nesting sites within Akaroa Harbour and beyond the entrance along the coastline. And, of course, the worlds rarest and smallest dolphin, the friendly Hectors dolphin.

Day 8 - Wanaka, Southern LakesDo: Drive south via Tekapo and Mt Cook to Lake Wanaka
Stay: Riverrun
A spectacular 6 hour drive alongside the Southern Alps takes you to Wanaka. Riverrun Lodge is on an escarpment with wide mountain views surrounded by a 500 acre riverside merino sheep farm. It is essential to book dinner in advance.

Day 9 - Wanaka, Southern LakesDo: Mt Aspiring Flight and Snow Landing with Alpine Helicopters Stay: Riverrun
Take an hour long scenic flight over one of New Zealand's most beautiful mountains, Mount Aspiring. Around the back of the mountain awe inspiring icefalls shelve thousands of metres into the glacial beginnings of rivers. To the south are vast permanent glaciers and stunning views with mountains, sea, lakes in every direction.

Day 11 - Queenstown, Central OtagoDo: Drive through the Gibbston Valley
Stay: Mt Rosa Lodge
Take Crown Range Road 89 from Wanaka to Queenstown, a spectacular high switch-back with aerial views. After rejoining SH6 turn off to explore the charming village of Arrowtown. Mt Rosa Lodge is in the heart of the Gibbston Valley looking across vineyards towards the Pisa Ranges. Book dinner in advance for tonight.

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A selection of hand crafted lodges, luxury bed and breakfasts and chic cottages together with some of the best guided activities in the country. Choose one of our suggested New Zealand journeys and edit it to suit, or build your own unique holiday.